Arsonists have targeted at children’s play-park in Honicknowle just a couple of months after it was opened leaving residents and children aghast.

The newly-installed park off Wollaton Grove was officially opened in late May and saw Plymouth City Council work with local community organisation Honicknowle Commnet who were aided by residents and children in the design of the site.

In addition a new bench was donated by the Plymouth Ladies Charity, underscoring how the new play-park inspired all manner of generous donations.

Honicknowle councillors Mark Lowry and Pete Smith boosted the funds with donations of £1,000 apiece from their own Community Grants Scheme budget.

The roundabout at the playpark in Wollaton Grove was badly damaged in the arson attack (Image: Mark Lowry)

However, it is now believed youths may have targeted the park shortly before 1.35am on July 8.

Mr Lowry told Plymouth Live: “This new play park only opened a couple of months ago. The council worked with the community to bring that area into use as there were no play facilities in the area.

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“The material used in the play park was fire retardant so the allegation is that petrol was used.

“One piece of the park equipment – the roundabout – has been ruined as has the rubber mesh flooring.

“The council is aware of the damage and I’ve met with council officers this morning. We will be looking to the suppliers to see if we can replace the piece of equipment as soon as possible and looking at our insurance to see if it can be covered.

The play park at Wollaton Grove was only installed a couple of months ago (Image: Plymouth City Council)

“I would urge anyone who has information to come forward.

“Someone in the community knows who did this or suspects who did this. If you are a parent and your child came home very late, smelling of smoke and petrol, please consider contacting police.

“I can’t imagine anyone being proud of doing this.”

One resident who lives near the park said: “No children have played in park at all since happened and normally [it is] full every day [with] up to 50 children using the park.